In a sample of over 300 pregnant Latinas, domestic violence during pregnancy was reported at 10% for physical abuse and 19% for emotional abuse.

There are many abusive strategies used against Latinas. These include:

On the job harrassment and work disruption tactics.

Denying access to driver’s license.

Lying about childcare arrangements.

Sending the partner to their country of origin temporarily.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please contact UNIDOS to access resources and support.

Call our 24-hour, bilingual help line at 1-800-510-9195.

If you are outside the state of Wisconsin, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Abuse happens in every culture, age, race, nationality and socio-economic level. It happens in both heterosexual and LGBT relationships, and among family members.

Warning Signs

Jealousy

Violent Behavior

Controlling Behavior

Verbal Abuse

Mood Swings

Isolation

Blaming

Hypersensitivity

Family History

Sexist Attitude

Threats of Violence

If you are concerned about the warning signs, please talk to someone and get help. Contact UNIDOS to access resources and support if you are experiencing domestic violence.

Call our 24-hour, bilingual help line at 1-800-510-9195.

If you are outside the state of Wisconsin, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

In light of recent immigration enforcement policies, the apprehension to call the police due to the fear of deportation has become more salient for many Latina survivors. In a recent study, immigrant Latina survivors reported a decrease in the likelihood of calling the police due to heightened immigration enforcement policies and increased fear of deportation.

Latina survivors report that immigration status is often used as a control mechanism to ensure that they do not leave the abusive situation.

Immigration status is a common and powerful control mechanism used by partners of immigrant women to force them to stay in a relationship.

Threatening Latina survivors to take away their children if they leave their partners was an especially powerful strategy used by men against undocumented, non-English speaking women.

In addition to immigration, studies have found that language and cultural differences act as significant barriers to Latina survivors’ ability to access services.

There is little awareness of IPV services and options among Latina survivors.

Lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services is also a barrier for many Latina survivors, as it is for women from many other racial/ethnic groups.

A study found that 1 in 3 shelters did not have any Spanish-speaking staff.

Additionally, many of the problems stemming from diverse cultural values were not respected and went unresolved. UNIDOS provides culturally relevant programs and services that address the realities of the communities we serve. Contact UNIDOS to access resources and support if you are experiencing domestic violence.

Call our 24-hour, bilingual help line at 1-800-510-9195.

If you are outside the state of Wisconsin, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

Source: National Latino Network

Latinas use many different strategies to survive abuse. Some examples include:

Spiritual or psychological (joining a support group and maintaining a relationship with God)

Social or familial (maintaining relationships with supportive people, not involving family members to protect them, and support/advice from other battered women)

Escaping (moving to an undisclosed location,

Other strategies reported by Latina survivors:

Religion

Dialoguing with partner

Using threats

Hobbies or studying

Exercising

Flight

Calling police

Divorce

Regardless of their immigration status, Latina survivors of domestic violence demonstrate remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in addressing their plight. These strengths should be investigated further and used in programs and services that attempt to assist them. Contact UNIDOS to access resources and support if you are experiencing domestic violence or if you are a survivor. We offer programs and assistance for every step of the recovery process.

Call our 24-hour, bilingual help line at 1-800-510-9195.

If you are outside the state of Wisconsin, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).